In what has to be a terrible metaphor for something. Cycle Toronto’s Michael Longfield–also president of Midweek cycling club, was doored in a painted bike lane and has a broken femur. Dooring is the act of a driver or passenger opening a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing a collision.
On Wednesday, Cycle Toronto and other locals launched a Charter challenge of the Ford government’s law to remove bike lanes. Except Longfield couldn’t make it as he was in the hospital getting his leg treated.
A court challenge against government
Cycle Toronto has launched a court challenge against Bill 212. It grants the Ontario government broad control over the installation and removal of municipal bike lanes. The group argues that the law violates cyclists’ Charter rights to life and security.
The challenge was filed Wedndesday in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice. It seeks an injunction to stop the removal of bike lanes on Bloor Street, University Avenue, and Yonge Street, which the Ford government argues are contributing to congestion and delayed emergency response times.
Bill 212
On Nov. 26, the Ontario government passed controversial legislation allowing the removal of bike lanes on three major cycling routes in Toronto. The bill also restricts municipalities from adding new bike lanes or removing existing ones on these roads. And requiring provincial approval for any changes, including the removal of those already in place—and potentially more.
Longfield, who in an Instagram post commented that he has since had surgery last night for a broken femur and the prognosis is very good. The rider, who also runs a local midweek series, has just recovered from extensive injuries from a race in August 2023.
He was riding in a painted lane–as opposed to a far safer separated one. Those can help to prevent cars from dooring cyclists.
Not helpful to anyone
The executive director of Cycle Toronto, said in a release that what the province is doing is not helpful to riders, drivers, or congestion.
“It is not about tackling congestion, working with municipalities for data-driven solutions. Or giving people more transportation options,” the statement read.
“It is unprecedented jurisdictional overreach undermining local democracy. That will cost taxpayers millions of dollars and jeopardize the safety of cyclists.”
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…